Pablo Antonio y La Firma at Grist Mill Park

Pablo Antonio y La Firma is a 13 or 14 piece band, depending on the day.  The ensemble features saxophones, trumpets and a full Latin percussion section and has been enchanting crowds since the late 1990s.

Pablo Zelaya says the tropical/Latin band has diverse roots, which contribute to its unique sound.

“We basically are a mix of different nationalities, Caribbean, South American, Central American and North American,” Zelaya said.

Zelaya said Pablo Antonio y La Firma has been lucky to keep a pretty busy performance schedule.  They play about 45 shows a year, next up is Friday’s performance at Grist Mill Park.

The band’s forte is Meringue but they also play Salsa, Cumbia and Bachata.  They play a mixture of covers and original songs.

Zelaya is from El Salvador and said even in America, the Latin community will always be able to connect with the music played by Pablo Antonio y La Firma.

“Tropical music is something that resonates in everybody’s hearts because of their roots,” Zelaya said.

The band plays year round but business is slow the first quarter of every year.  Fortunately, they benefit from a lot of repeat customers.  Zelaya said Pablo Antonio y La Firma is the only D.C. area band to have been twice featured at a major Hispanic festival in Miami.

Even if you don’t have ties to the Latin culture, Zelaya said you’ll really enjoy the music.

“It’s a way to bring some culture wherever we go,” he said.

To check out the band’s website, click here.

http://www.lafirma.com/english/